NOTRE-DAME DU TAUR

Historical sites and monuments

About

Instantly recognisable thanks to its astonishing bell tower wall that overlooks the bustling rue du Taur, this church shares an intimate link with the martyrdom of Saint Sernin.

In the 3rd century, the history of Toulouse was turned upside down. Saturnin or Sernin, the first bishop of the city, was martyred by the Romans. He was tied to a bull that dragged him through the ancient city.

He crosses the rampart and follows the Roman road, the current rue du Taur (or bull), at the end of which stands the basilica of Saint-Sernin. Notre-Dame du Taur is said to have been built on the very spot where the martyr's body was detached from the bull.

Interesting especially by its history, which is told through a golden fresco above the altar, the very sober church houses a beautiful black virgin, Notre-Dame du Rempart, dressed in brocade.